2017 Preview | Melbourne Storm

Brendan Thurbon takes a peek at what lies ahead for the 2016 runners-up, Melbourne, as Craig Bellamy and his charges look to go one better.

One more play was potentially all that stood between the Melbourne Storm and the 2016 Provan Summons trophy, not bad for a year that many esteemed judges stated was to signal the beginning of the end for the Storm's era of success.

They did also manage to grab the JJ Giltinan shield to signify their strength over the 26 round home and away season. The big question for 2017 is can they go one better?

2017 looms as a critical one for the legacy of the ‘big three' at the Storm. With just 1 legal Grand Final win to their name to go with 2 JJ Giltinan Shields, you could describe it as an underwhelming return for 3 players who at times have looked on another planet when compared to most in their position. If they are to secure another title to bolster their resumes, then you feel this has to be the year, in fact for a man who has missed the majority of the last 2 years this really is the final year for Billy Slater to secure another premiership.

Beyond the aging big three, there are a few questions to be answered about the roster: who will take over the 5/8th position from Blake Green? Who steps in to fill the jersey of the also departed Marika Koroibete? Is Kenny Bromwich ready to transition from reliable & versatile bench forward to damaging hole running second rower to replace Kevin Proctor? How will Craig Bellamy get the best out of the electrifying Billy Slater and the rugged Cameron Munster? Can Suliasi Vunivalu repeat his heroics on the right wing again in 2017?

History has shown us that even when there are no readymade replacements available Craig Bellamy always finds a body to put in the jersey and get the job done, but history has also shown (although neither have been legal) that when backing up from a Grand Final loss the Storm win the big dance the following year. Storm fans will be hoping this historical trend continues in 2017!

Why They'll Win It

One of the greatest fullbacks of all time, check; a halfback hell bent on being better than himself each and every year who is the current Dally M and Golden Boot holder, check; arguably the GOAT for hookers, check; a young and hungry forward pack lead by one of the best props in the game currently, check; a coach will get the best out of each and every member of the squad, check!

It's a strong roster, but one thing which can't be under estimated is desire, this is a squad who for 26 weeks plus a couple of finals looked like they were going all the way only to fall at the last hurdle - this failure will create a burning desire, a desire to be faster, stronger, smarter and fitter than ever before. This desire is what can take a very strong roster to a Grand Final winning roster in 2017.

Why They Won't

Ageing superstars with a huge workload due to representative commitments, check; losses of key players who were crucial to performance in 2016, check; key players overdue for long term injuries, check! It's the same reasons every year why the Storm can't win the title, is this the year they all come roaring into realisation?

The losses of Green, Proctor and Koroibete cannot be underestimated, each of these players were crucial to the Storm's style of play in 2016 and definitely leave a gaping hole as we head into 2017.

Key Players

NAS, No Added Sugar? No Added Salt? No, Nelson Asofa-Solomona. 21 years old (at the commencement of the season) 200cm tall and 115kg, if he can build on the solid and sometimes spectacular contributions last year then the Storm have a game changing giant on the bench waiting to come in and wreak havoc on opposition defenders.

In keeping with the hyphenated theme, another young winger from the Wests Tigers with speed to burn has been signed. I am of course referring to none other than Josh Addo-Carr, whilst lacking the physicality of the man he may replace he still possess the same game breaking speed with perhaps a little more shimmy, step and swerve. 

After missing pretty much the last 2 seasons a man whose return is eagerly anticipated is definitely one to watch, I am of course referring to Billy Slater. How Billy The Kid slots back in after missing so much football will be key to the Storm's chances in 2017

Rookies to watch

1 try assist, 28 tackles with 0 missed - not bad stats for an 18 year old debuting at half back and being partnered by Tohu Harris at 5/8th. Brodie Croft gave us a glimpse of his talents during the Auckland 9's and although we may not see an awful lot of him this year, the heir to Cronk's throne is a rookie who will take his chance when he gets it.

A smokey to grab a bench spot has to be Joe Stimson, a recent graduate from the Storm's U20's team the Thunderbolts. Stimson is the a-typical Craig Bellamy footballer; tough as nails, no nonsense, hard running and durable. 

Best 17

First, my own controversial choices:

1. Billy Slater
2. Suliasi Vunivalu
3. Will Chambers
4. Cameron Munster
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Brodie Croft
7. Cooper Cronk
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Cameron Smith ©
10. Jordan McLean
11. Kenny Bromwich
12. Tohu Harris
13. Dale Finucane

14. Tim Glasby
15. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
16. Felise Kaufusi
17. Christian Welch

Now the likely lineup:

1. Billy Slater
2. Suliasi Vunivalu
3. Will Chambers
4. Cheyse Blair
5. Young Tonumaipea
6. Cameron Munster
7. Cooper Cronk
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Cameron Smith ©
10. Jordan McLean
11. Kenny Bromwich
12. Tohu Harris
13. Dale Finucane

14. Tim Glasby
15. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
16. Felise Kaufusi
17. Christian Welch

2017 Draw

Click the image below for a full resolution downloadable version of the Storm's 2017 schedule.

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